Administration

Neil Sanburg DirectorMr. Sanburg has been employed by the Grundy County Special Education Cooperative (GCSEC) since 1994. Initially, he was employed as a School Psychologist, and later as a Program Coordinator and Assistant Director. He has served as the Executive Director of Special Education for GCSEC since 2008. Mr. Sanburg graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from Illinois State University in 1990, and an M.A. in Psychology with School Psychologist Certification from Eastern Illinois University in 1992. During the 1992–1993 School Year, Mr. Sanburg completed his School Psychology Internship at Addison Trail High School in Addison, IL. He received his M.A. in Educational Leadership from Aurora University in 2002 and his Director of Special Education Endorsement from Governor’s State University in 2004. His professional interests center on issues of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), special education advocacy and program development. In his free time, Mr. Sanburg enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters, as well as playing guitar, going to concerts, motorcycling and golfing.

Carol Senica Assistant DirectorMs. Carol Senica has been employed by GCSEC since 2007. Initially she served as a program coordinator and now assumes the role as the Assistant Director. She began her career as a speech-language pathologist working with preschool through high school age children in public school systems. Ms. Senica received her Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s of Science in speech-language pathology from Illinois State University. She also has a Master’s of Educational Administration from Illinois State University. Ms. Senica attended St. Francis University to obtain her Director of Special Education endorsement. When she is not at the Grundy County Special Education Cooperative or out in the schools, you will likely find Carol riding a bike with her husband, out on the golf course, reading books and listening to music, or spending time with her children. ​

Carolyn Elkin Program CoordinatorMs. Elkin functions as a Program Coordinator for Braceville Elementary (LD), Coal City Elementary (E/BD), River's Edge Academy (E/BD), Gardner Grade School (LD/EC/DK), and Gardner-S. Wilmington High School (LD/ED). Her professional interests include administration, social work and the education of ED/BD students.

Kate Ross Transition CoordinatorMrs. Ross has been with Grundy County Special Education Cooperative (GCSEC) for her entire career to date. An alumna of Minooka Community High School, she continued her education at Illinois State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education in 2001. It was then that she started with GCSEC as a teacher at River's Edge Academy. She later went on to earn her M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Administration from Benedictine University in 2006. Since 2011, Mrs. Ross has served as the Program Coordinator for GCSEC's Transition, Life-Skills, and Multi-Needs Programs. She also serves as the Special Education Coordinator for South Wilmington Elementary School District, as well as the Transition Service Coordinator for the county. She is currently enrolled at the University of St. Francis to earn her Director of Special Education endorsement. Her professional interests include best practices in life-skills programming, advocacy of transition services, and staff development. When away from her kids at school, she can be found doing her new favorite hobby, kayaking, with her husband, son, family, and friends.

Janna Siron Program CoordinatorMs. Siron has been employed by GCSEC as a Cognitive Disability and Autism instructor. She is currently serving as Coordinator for the STARS Program for students with Autism.